‘Do Locksmiths Go To Schooling?’ is a biggest question for those who want to enter in this career field. There is no need to attend a school to become a locksmith. However, if you have a certification from an accredited locksmith school, you can make lots progress in your career. Formal training is essential for entering in any profession. If you have proper training, you can become a successful locksmith. Most industrial or commercial companies prefer to hire certified or registered locksmiths. The top local locksmith in Gilbert Arizona provide us some information on the subject.
The Things you Learn at Locksmith School
The duties and responsibilities of a locksmith vary depending on specialization such as electrical, automotive, residential, etc. However, generally, all accredited locksmith schools over topics such as:
* Different types of locks
* Lock picking methods
* Re-keying tools
* Reassembling and disassembling lock types
There are various types of locksmith schools. You can seek admission in a local locksmith training program, enroll in online locksmith courses or complete an apprenticeship with a reputable locksmith. Associated Locksmiths of America provides the list of 34 locksmith schools across the United States. You can find a reputable school in your locality by visiting their official site.
To become a locksmith, you need to undergo a combination of classroom training and hands-on experience. Lots of locksmith schools and training programs are available in the US. Most of these institutions offer both offline and online courses. Depending on the types, the course may cover topics such as:
* Key identification
* Key making
* Lock installation
* Residential locks
* Lock picking
* Automotive locks
* Commercial locks
* Home and business security systems
* Electronic access locks
* Safe and vault locks
* Master key systems
* High security locks
If you enroll in a campus oriented training program, you will get an opportunity to learn into practice on tools that are used by locksmiths. But, online programs may provide you with tools, which they use to practice at home. If you want to get additional hands-on experience, you can either work as a trainee or complete an apprenticeship. However, all locksmiths will not be ready to work as a trainee or apprentice. If you work as an apprentice, you need to go out into the field with experienced locksmith or perform tasks around the office.
Certification or License Requirements
Locksmiths are granted access to homes of people, high-security areas and sensitive security information. Therefore, they must be reliable and qualified. So, locksmiths must earn a license to practice their trade in many states in the US. Voluntary certified locksmiths possess high standards for training and experience. However, some states check only the criminal background of a locksmith. But, in some states, you must complete an accredited training program and pass a licensing exam. Some jurisdictions require apprentices to obtain a license. Apprentice license can be obtained by passing a criminal history background check. You need not pass any licensing exam at this stage. However, you must show that you are employed by a licensed locksmith.
Besides license, you can also pursue voluntary certification. Depending on levels of expertise, ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) offers Certification to locksmiths. You can start your career with Certified Registered Locksmith designation. You can become a Certified Professional Locksmith (CPL) or Certified Master Locksmith (CML) if you obtain additional training and experience.
You must pass an examination to become a Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL). This exam measures your knowledge in 10 mandatory categories, such as:
* Codes and code equipment
* Cylinder servicing
* Key duplication
* Key blank identification
* Key impressioning
* Lockset functions
* Professional lock opening techniques
* Furniture, cabinet and mailbox locks
* Basic master keying
* Lockset servicing
According to the requirements of ALOA, CRL candidates must pass an exam in 2 of the 26 elective categories. However, CPLs must show their proficiency in 12 additional elective categories and CMLs must pass 90% of elective exams ALOA offers. The elective categories include topics such as safe installation, basic electricity, key-less mechanical, and alarms.
Duration of a Locksmith Course
Several months are required for completing a locksmith training course. However, you can complete some courses in 2 months. Some others may take 4 months or more o complete. Additional months or years are required for completing on-the-job training. The duration of an apprenticeship program is 2-3 years.
Salary and Job Prospects
The median yearly salary of a locksmith in the US was around $37,560 in 2012. However, if you are working as a trainee or apprenticeship, your starting income will be very less. Your salary will increase once you become productive.
You may not get a job in industrial or commercial companies if you are not a registered or certified locksmith. So, if you do not have formal training or apprenticeship, you may end up with searching jobs in residential areas. However, residential customers are concerned about a quick solution. So, locksmith field is somewhat narrow.